Marcos Ensures Spain Progress

Russia, who had all but guaranteed their spot in the next phase after wins over Poland and Turkey, held all the aces at half-time after establishing a 32-24 lead.

Blanca Marcos

However, the Spanish were a different proposition after the interval and an 11-2 run at the start of the third period saw them take the upper hand at 35-34.

Russia managed to stem the tide after that but Spain stepped up another gear in the final period to establish a 10-point lead on the back of a Blanca Marcos three-pointer with less than four minutes on the clock.

Russia continued to battle and reduced the difference to two points at 64-62 with 48 seconds left but a timeout calmed Spanish nerves and they put the game beyond their opponents when Sara Gomez successfully made a lay-up.

Marcos led the Spanish fight with 19 points, two assists and three rebounds, although Russia guard Elena Danilochkina produced the best individual performance with 21 points, 11 rebounds and two rebounds.

Spain finished top of Group C with Russia second while Poland finished third after their 72-60 win over Turkey in the evening match.

Magdalena Leciejewska had a superb match for the Poles, finishing with 22 points and 17 rebounds - both game highs.